King Felipe led a meeting of Spain’s National Security Council today in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
His Majesty also cancelled all events today and tomorrow to stay abreast of developments. Spain has been aiding NATO’s response to the crisis.
King Felipe studied international relations and keen on helping shape Spain’s place in the world.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a televised address after the meeting, where he called on Russia to follow international law.
King Felipe tested positive for COVID-19 this week, the Spanish Royal Household said, according to media outlets.
His Majesty is isolating and should be able to retake his agenda next week, officials said. He is said to have minor symptoms.
The King met with military officers at the Madrid Royal Palace on Tuesday. Today Queen Letizia visited a hospital.
British Prince Charles and Danish Queen Margarethe are two other major royals who have tested positive in recent days.
King Felipe spent most of last week in Latin America, visiting former Spanish colonies of Puerto Rico and Honduras.
His Majesty’s visit to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico for the 500th anniversary of San Juan, the island’s capital, was much anticipated by locals, many of whom cherish their Spanish roots.
The trip was particularly dramatic because vandals took down a statue of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, Puerto Rico’s first governor, but local officials put the statue back on its pedestal as the King was landing.
Puerto Ricans still keep the coat of arms granted by Spain and the island’s municipalities also follow Spanish heraldry for their symbols.
Many Puerto Ricans were disappointed the trip didn’t include Queen Letizia, who had other agenda items in Madrid.
Puerto Ricans are hoping the trip strengthens economic relations with Spain after several Spanish firms have reduced or pulled their presence from the island. Puerto Rico has been experiencing years of economic troubles after decades of post-World War II boom.
In Honduras, King Felipe met with incoming President Xiomara Castro, who has promised to root out corruption.
King Felipe also had a chat with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, whose portfolio includes relations with Central America.
King Felipe has been attending Latin American presidential inaugurations for decades, first as Prince of Asturias and now as Spanish head-of-state.
King Felipe’s sister, Infanta Cristina, said she was suspending marital relations with her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, media outlets reported today.
Infanta Cristina stuck by her husband through a corruption trial and conviction, which sent him to jail for several years. He was recently photographed holding hands with another woman.
King Felipe’s other sister, Infanta Elana, is divorced from her husband, Jaime de Marichalar.
Infanta Cristina and Urdangarin have four children together. They lost their ducal titles during his corruption scandal.
Spain’s Royal Family launched its 2022 agenda with the annual Pascua Militar — a uniquely Spanish event on the Epiphany holiday.
Senior members of the government, the military and the clergy gather at the Royal Palace in Madrid with the King and Queen for a review of troops, remarks and a reception.
Since the January 6 event, members of the Royal Family have resumed duties, including King Felipe receiving credential letters from several new ambassadors.
Queen Letizia led a work meeting of the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases, one of the charities she helps support.
Queen Sofia attended a concert in Madrid to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Spanish Caritas, a major charity.
Media outlets in Puerto Rico reported that King Felipe will travel to the island later this month to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the city of San Juan.
King Felipe VI delivered his most important speech of the year on Christmas Eve, in which he urged Spaniards to remain optimistic about their future.
His Majesty delivered his remarks from the Zarzuela Royal Palace, flanked by books, pictures and a Christmas tree.
The King discussed scientific advances to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and touted the economic recovery. But he also acknowledged lingering unemployment and rising energy prices.
His Majesty called on Spaniards — and their institutions — to face and work to overcome challenges like climate change and gender inequality.
He said Spain and other nations were at a crossroads but also said current events presented a “historic opportunity” for progress.
The King expressed solidarity with the people of La Palma — part of Spain’s Canary Islands — which has been experiencing a volcano eruption.
Queen Letizia traveled to Senegal yesterday to inaugurate a branch of the Cervantes Institute, dedicated to promoting Spanish language and culture.
Her Majesty had a working lunch with Sengal President Macky Sall and First Lady Marieme Faye Sall.
Swiss authorities today closed a money laundering case involving King Felipe’s father, King Juan Carlos.
Prosecutors were looking into claims Spain’s former head of state received $100 million from Saudi Arabia through a Swiss account for facilitating a high-speed rail deal.
But Swiss authorities said they were unable to prove the Saudi money was tied to the rail project. Don Juan Carlos has long been close with Saudi royals.
The former head of state has been living in exile in the United Arab Emirates and has worked to address previously unreported earnings to Spanish tax authorities.
Don Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 as claims against him were starting to emerge and the financial crisis made Spaniards less forgiving of their monarch.
Media outlets detailed a relationship with German businesswoman Corinna Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, who ended up with much of the money in question. A money laundering probe against her was also dropped.
Infanta Cristina and Infanta Elena visit their father regularly, according to media outlets. It’s unclear whether Queen Sofia has seen her husband. She remains in active service of the Royal Family and popular among Spaniards.
King Felipe is in Colombia this week attending an international legal conference focused on promoting the rule of law.
King Felipe highlighted the rule of law during the recent Catalan separatist crisis.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia visited Sweden last week for a state visit with King Cark Gustaf and Queen Silvia.
Events included a departure ceremony outside Madrid for Spain’s royals. In Sweden, they met with Spanish diplomats, business leaders and scientists.
The king and queen also had several events with Sweden’s royals and political leaders, including leaders of parliament and the Stockholm capital.
The state visit went from Nov. 23rd through Nov. 25th.
LOS BORBONES 